Lakers Lose Game 5, Fail to Close Series vs Rockets

The Lakers, who returned home after a 115-96 loss in Game 4, saw a bright spot in the first quarter with Austin Reaves back from injury and a 11‑point advantage. Houston tightened the game in the second quarter, leading 51‑47 at halftime and extending the lead to 76‑67 by the third. In the fourth, the Lakers narrowed the gap with an 11‑1 run, but could not finish the comeback, falling 99‑93. The Lakers outrebound Houston by seven but committed 15 turnovers, giving up 18 points off them, and shot just 42.1% from the field and 25.9% from three. Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points, while Alperen Sengun almost reached a triple‑double. The series now moves to Houston for Game 6, where the Lakers face another challenge without Kevin Durant. milkshakeslot.com